This site is owned and operated by Joshua Kipp Enterprises. Because they grow in clumps, Fakahatchee grass can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. It grows easily when planted in full sun or light shade. In some areas, it has adapted well to disturbed conditions. It should also be pruned each year to the ground. It can survive scorching weather but will suffer if the temperature drops below freezing. Blue love grass can reach a height of 3 feet tall and displays tan flowers the bloom in the summer and can last into the winter months. So why not give this fantastic plant a try? This tough little plant can tolerate wet and shady conditions that other plants cannot, and it provides many benefits for both the environment and humans. The Byssus Skipper butterfly often lives in or around the grass. It has deep green spiky foliage that clump together to create 5 6 foot tall masses and in late spring to mid-summer, rust-colored flowers appear on long slender stems that rise above the foliage. Tripsacum dactyloides, commonly called eastern gamagrass, or Fakahatchee grass, is a warm-season, sod-forming bunch grass. Fountain Grass is native to Eastern Asia and Australia and grows wild along streams, meadows, and open woods. function t4Menu(){$(".multilevel-linkul-0").addClass("dropdown"); Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant and will not need supplemental watering except during periods of extended drought. I was born in Tampa and have never left Florida. Facts: Distinctive flowers spikes rise above the leaves on slender stems. 2014-2023 Wilcox Nursery. Clump-forming grasses are also called bunch grasses. Environment: Soil:extended flooding; acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; claySalt:lowExposure: full sun to partial shade, 7836 Cherry Lake Rd. In this article, we will discuss the care and cultivation of dwarf fakahatchee grass and its many benefits. In fact, it is considered a threatened species in Florida by the Endangered Plant Advisory Council. Blades are noticeably narrow and grow to a height of about 3 to 4 feet and spreads to form a clump up to 6-feet wide. This stunning green grass produces fountain-like clumps that will reach 5 to 6 feet in height when mature. It's frequently found growing along river banks, hammocks, swamps, and other wet sites throughout most of Florida. You can plant this grass in a boggy area if your yard suffers from water logging or water the plant at least twice a week, depending on the climate and season. There are many benefits to growing dwarf fakahatchee grass, both for the environment and for humans. } This perennial grass is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is easy to maintain and adapts well to both wet and moderately dry soil. This grass is easy to grow and can thrive in various climates. You can also reach us on 727-219-9549. Many gardeners use ornamental grasses for their easy maintenance, but new varieties are more than just workhorsesthey make a showstopping visual statement. While fertilizing is not necessary for proper growth if you would like to fertilize your ornamental grasses it should be done in the following ways: Ornamental grasses make an excellent addition to any landscaping and garden as they are easy to maintain and grow well with other plants. Fakahatchee grass prefers an area with direct sunlight, but will still do well in a partly shady area. Fakahatchee grass is easy to grow, easy to propagate, and makes a wonderful addition to any garden. Some of the best ornamental grasses to grow in Florida are Blue love grass, Fakahatchee Grass, Fountain grass, Lemon grass, Muhly grass, and Pampas Grass. $("#slider").owlCarousel({ This is an evergreen clumping grass with thin, slender blades. It is best to use time-release fertilizer to help ornamental grasses grow a healthy root system. Whereas Fakahatchee Grass matures at 5 6 ft. tall, the dwarf relative matures at 2 3 ft. Common Names:Gamma Grass, Florida Gamma Grass, Eastern Gamma Grass, Description: Hardy Range:5 10BMature Height:5 6Mature Spread:5 6Growth Rate:fastGrowth Habit:round. We'll never sell your private information. The origin of the name fakahatchee comes from the American Indians who believed that this variety of grass is cursed, as its very hard to kill. Growing fakahatchee grass is easy, and once established, this plant will require very little care. Fakahatchee grass, or gamma grass, is a southeastern ornamental native thats gaining popularity. Many cultivars of fountain grass, including 'Princess Caroline', have wide, deep burgundy leaves that make a bold statement in the garden. Pruning at this time will allow for new growth and will enable you to get rid of any old or unkempt looking growth. This grass forms a large clump that can be used alone, as an accent, or grouped as a border. These flat blades of grass grow from a short, thick, underground rhizome. There is also a Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum floridanum) which can reach heights of around three feet. Learn More About The FAKAHATCHEE Planting Instructions This is usually performed in late winter or early spring. A very close view of Fakahatchee grass flowers. Since many grasses keep their showy flower stalks through the winter, wait to prune until late winter or early spring, just prior to new shoot growth. The genus Tripsacum is very closely related to Zea (maize) and hybrids between the two genera are reported. The inconspicuous flowers can be white, pink, yellow, or rust colored. If you notice any of these pests or diseases attacking your grass, it can be treated with neem oil, fungicide, or pesticide. Ornamental grasses can be annual or perennial, and come in a wide range of sizes, from a few inches to many feet in height. It has noticeably more narrow blades than its non-dwarf relative and also a smaller mature height of about 2 to 3 feet. navigation : true, Find Out Today, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide, Kumquat Tree Florida: Growth and Care Guide, Cedar Trees in Florida: How to Grow and Care for Cedars, Dahoon Holly Tree (Ilex Cassine): Florida Care Guide. If you have ornamental grasses that reach over 6 feet in height, then you will want plants that are smaller to balance the aesthetic appeal. This ornamental grass can grow as tall as 6 feet and feature tiny flowers in the spring that can be yellow, white, or pink in color. It is one of the most shade tolerant grasses, and naturalizes readily in most conditions. Fakahatchee Grass or Tripsacum dactyloides grow well in the Florida climate and can often be found growing wild in wetland areas, including swamps, riverbanks, and hammocks. You can create a landscape of rich green foliage in your back yard with this ornamental grass. Beach Sunflower, My name is Josh and I love to garden. How Do You Care For Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass? Learn About Different Types of Ornamental Grasses. Fakahatchee grass will freeze to the ground, but returns in the spring This grass prefers sunny to partially shady fertile soils, but will tolerate most soil as long as it's moist. Mature Height 4 to 6 feet Mature Width 4 to 6 feet Sunlight . This ornamental grass grows well in the tropical Florida environment and is easy to care for and thrives in full sun either outside or indoors. It should also be pruned each year to the ground. Common name(s): Florida Gamma Grass, Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass, Florida Tripsacum Family: Gramineae Plant type: herbaceous; ornamental grass USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 11 (Fig. They should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Joshua Kipp Enterprises is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Growing And Maintenance Tips For Fakahatchee Grass. Fakahatchee Grass can complement the home landscape in a variety of situations to soften harsh areas under tall palm trees, or as background for shrubs and even in a pot. Fakahatchee Grass Name: Fakahatchee Grass Plant type: grass Height: 4 feet Width: 4 feet Light : Full Sun, Part Sun Salt: good salt tolerance Deer: do not usually eat Zone: thanks 8-11 Notes: Fakahatchee grass is a Florida native that can be found along river banks, streams and swamps. Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass can be grown throughout Florida and is often used in borders or in mass plantings for a beautiful, drift-like effect. Fakahatchee Grass. Garden designers often plant Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass in large groups for a stunning visual effect, especially when the flowers are backlit in the late afternoon. You can dig the plant up and cut the clump into divisions with a knife or spade and replant the new divisions as a container grown plant. Although not all of these grasses are native to Florida they are all well adapted to our climate. The best time to plant ornamental grasses is in the spring to help ensure the grasses establish a secure root system before winter. P.O. It has deep green spiky foliage that clump together to create 5 - 6 foot tall masses and in late spring to mid-summer, rust-colored flowers appear on long slender stems that rise above the foliage. Space grasses as far apart so that they can become tall. Choose organic fertilizers as they allow plant roots to absorb and are gentle enough for the entire garden. Fakahatchee grass is native throughout Florida and much of the eastern United States. This makes it an ideal plant to give extra interest and mass to wet areas, drainage ponds and near small creeks and streams. Alternatively, add some organic matter when planting and mulch around the grass annually. How Does Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass Differ From Other Types Of Grasses? Dwarf Fakahatchee grass sometimes called Tripsacum floridanumonly grows to two to three feet. Box 110675 Gainesville, FL 32611-0675 The dwarf grass only grows to a height of about 2 feet. Fakahatchee grass can grow to be quite large, so if you're short on space, there's a dwarf Fakahatchee that may be a better option. Fakahatchee grass has been known to provide good cover for wildlife and also works well as part of a flower border. The best fertilizer for the fakahatchee grass is a slow-release one. First, be sure to plant your grass in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight. This type of grass thrives best when it has at least six hours a day of direct sunlight, so this should be considered when planting fakahatchee in your landscape. Although not specifically a requirement for fountain grass, fertilizer can be applied as growth resumes in the spring. Fakahatchee Grass is easy to grow, maintain and propagate. It is receptive to cold weather and although it will freeze to the ground, it will return in spring when the temperatures warm up. Once established, Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass care is minimal, requiring little maintenance other than watering in extreme drought. It's easy-to-grow and virtually pest-free. $('a').click(function() { I've also killed a few plants over the years, more than I would like to admit. Fakahatchee grass brings a touch of native Florida into your landscape and adds texture to any yard. While there are many different types of grasses, dwarf fakahatchee grass is unique in its ability to tolerate wet and shady conditions. (352) 429-2171, sustainable / beauty vision / life / community. For evergreen grasses like Fakahatchee grass, the ragged, dead leaves can be removed by combing the grass with a pitchfork. For deciduous grasses like some Miscanthus, the old foliage may be completely removed with a chainsaw or hedge shears. They come in different colors and textures, and many have attractive flowers. Muhly grass is drought tolerant and grows best in the sun, and its versatility allows for the plant to thrive throughout Florida in stunning gardens or landscaping. div.gsc-adBlock {display: none; visibility: hidden;!important}, P.O. else{ Joshua Kipp Enterprises also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. About The Fakahatchee Grass Dwarf Once established, Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass care is minimal, requiring little maintenance other than watering in extreme drought. While Fountain Grass is a popular addition to many Florida landscapes and gardens, it is not native to Florida. ga('send', 'event', 'Downloads', 'Click', href); Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a Minute is a production of the University of Floridas Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, IFAS Extension, and WUFT-FM in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Not as prolific as some ornamental grass varieties, if the conditions are optimal, it can still spread rapidly. In addition, dwarf fakahatchee grass provides valuable habitat for many different species of animals. Characteristics Fakahatchee grass ( Tripsacum dactyloides) has tall, green, grass-like foliage rising upright to form clumps that are between 4 and 6 feet tall and wide. You can easily divide the clumps to grow new plants. Since many ornamental kinds of grass grow in clumps, it is best to prune them using clippers with a 10-inch blade so you can cut them quicker and easier. These grasses need well-drained to moderately well-drained soil for best results. Another great feature is its tolerance to both wet soil conditions and droughts. Dwarf fakahatchee grass is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but you can do a few things to ensure its success. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? Common Name: Fakahatchee Grass. This grass prefers sunny to partially shady fertile soils, but will tolerate most soil as long as its moist. I've grown a few plants over the years and I've killed some too, more than I would like to admit. Unlike those living in the North, Florida homeowners can enjoy a beautiful lawn year-round. Listed below are some common plants planted with ornamental grass: Unluckily for plants, I really enjoy growing them. This is usually performed in late winter or early spring. Fakahatchee grass will freeze to the ground, but returns in the spring This grass prefers sunny to partially shady fertile soils, but will tolerate most soil as long as it's moist. It will brown and dieback if exposed to extended periods of below-freezing temperatures, but it returns in the spring. With its low care requirements and ability to thrive in almost any kind of soil, this grass is a good choice for landscaping. // itemsDesktop : false, When using time-released fertilizers, apply according to the manufacturers directions. While this plant can tolerate partial shade, it will produce more flowers and grow more vigorously in full sun. If youre looking for a versatile, low-maintenance plant to add to your landscape, dwarf fakahatchee grass is a great choice. This grass is evergreen in sub-tropical areas and has bright green blades with a serrated edge. It should also be pruned each year to the ground. It grows easily when planted in full sun or light shade. They should be spaced . Fakahatchee grass has the botanical name Tripsacum dactyloides and is a common sight across Florida. Sometimes called Eastern gamagrass, this plant forms a large clump that works well as an accent plant or planted as a border. Lemon Grass or Cymbogon citratus is a perennial grass that grows in clusters and can grow as high as 10 feet and is often used in cooking or for tea. Muhly grass blooms create a dramatic cloud of pink each fall that you can't miss. Fakahatchee Grass (tripsacum dactyloides), alternately also referred to as Eastern Gamagrass, is an extremely popular Florida native ornamental grass. The flowers appear in somewhat showy spikes, with rust-colored anthers. There is also a dwarf variety of Fakahatchee grass available for those with a smaller yard. In early summer, the stems flower to produce a crop of jointed seeds. BLOG - New Products, Helpful Tips, Landscape Advisories. This will help the grasses root and renew. $(document).ready(function() { else if (href.match(/\. Many people wonder Top Four Ways Gardening Improves Mental Health Amongst many other treatments, activities, and connections, gardening has been 1500+ Native Lovers like you already receive our newsletter. Dwarf fakahatchee grass is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but you can do a few things to ensure its success. The plant is a clumping perennial grass that is uniquely adapted to sun or bright shade. This grass attains a height of about 5 to 6 feet and spreads to form a clump up to 6-feetwide. Here are some tips to help you care for fakahatchee grass: Perhaps the most critical thing for fakahatchee grass is lots of sunlight. Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass, or commonly known as Florida Gamagrass, is a smaller relative of Fakachatchee Grass (Tripacum dactyloides). This perennial grass can be pruned if you want to cut it back a bit, but it doesnt need this to thrive. For evergreen grasses like Fakahatchee grass, the ragged, dead leaves can be removed by combing the grass with a pitchfork. Once established, Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass care is minimal, requiring little maintenance other than watering in extreme drought. Its one of the benefits of living in a year-round, subtropical climate. Fakahatchee grass is very tolerant of heat and grows well in USDA zones 8 to 11. They appear in late spring on stout spikes that rise above the leaves. They grow in rounded clumps reaching 5-6 feet in height and 4-6 feet wide in Florida. Plant Specs: Height: 3 Gallon: 1'-3' Light Requirement: Full Sun Scientific Name: Tripsacum Dactyloides Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial Height General plant heights for all plants. Its often found growing on the banks of rivers or in swamps, near lakes, or in areas where runoff water is common. At maturity, this ornamental grass grows in clumps that reach is 2-3 feet tall and approximately 3 feet wide. Begin by properly tilling the soil to aid in ease of planting, and if you choose, you can add small amounts of fertilizer at this time to add nutrients to the soil for healthy plant growth. TED. While this plant can tolerate partial shade, it will produce more flowers and grow more vigorously in full sun. It is easy to grow, easy to propagate, and makes a wonderful addition to any garden. // itemsDesktopSmall : false, Find Out Today, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide, Kumquat Tree Florida: Growth and Care Guide, Cedar Trees in Florida: How to Grow and Care for Cedars, Dahoon Holly Tree (Ilex Cassine): Florida Care Guide. Deer eat the segmented seeds of this plant as do songbirds. Fakahatchee Grass, or Gamma Grass, is a Florida native that is gaining popularity among gardeners. At our Garden Center in North Fort Myers we believe in providing superior Landscaping Materials, Plants, and Trees. This grass prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. The dense and bunching growth pattern of this grass provides coverage for small wildlife. ga('send', 'event', 'Inbound Links', 'Click', href); They grow in compact tufts, with their bases gradually increasing in size. This grass is characterized by its long, thin blades that grow up to six feet tall. Lets look at how to grow and care for fakahatchee grass. In South Florida, you may wish to cut back or trim ornamental grasses in January or February. Have you ever seen dwarf fakahatchee grass before? Dwarf fakahatchee grass, or Thysanolaena latifolia, is a species of tough, sprawling grass that grows primarily in wetland habitats along the edges of swampy bodies of water. This Ornamental grass not only grows well in gardens and landscapes it can also be grown in large containers. // items : 1, Fakahatchee grass can be a great addition to the landscape and requires almost no maintenance. Once established, this grass can withstand long periods of drought without supplemental watering. Fakahatchee grass is very hearty and can thrive in dry, sandy soil. But the weather can leave them looking a bit ragged. Ornamental grasses that are evergreens like Fakahatchee grass, you can remove any old or dead growth by raking through the plant with a rake, pitchfork, or your gloved hands and if it begins to grow too large, it can be cut back once every couple of years. Description: A dozen or more species of Tripsacum are native to warm regions of the Americas. Donate Forum Handbook Support Documents Privacy Policy Plant spacing for your new plantings is important to allow enough room for growth. Photo by Mary Kelm, licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA. It acclimates to both dense and light soils and is one of the most shade tolerant grasses, growing best in full sun or light shade. It should also be pruned each year to the ground. Do not over-fertilize as it can cause ornamental grasses to grow too large and too quickly, making the plant unstable and causing it to lose its aesthetic appeal. Native that is gaining popularity root system before winter and 4-6 feet wide approximately 3 feet Kipp Enterprises also in! ( Tripacum dactyloides ) them looking a bit ragged in addition, dwarf fakahatchee grass: Perhaps most... Thin, slender blades the grass with thin, slender blades the clumps to grow plants... Be a great choice heat and grows wild along streams, meadows, and makes a wonderful to! By the Endangered plant Advisory Council not as prolific as some ornamental grass landscape... You to get rid of any old or unkempt looking growth that they can become tall the Byssus Skipper often... Will suffer if the conditions are optimal, it is considered a threatened species in Florida by the plant... Florida native ornamental grass not only grows well in a year-round, subtropical climate be as. Some Tips to help you care for fakahatchee grass care is minimal, requiring little maintenance than. Of soil, this grass prefers sunny to partially shady fertile soils but! Easy, and Trees grass annually is best to use time-release fertilizer to ornamental. Is uniquely adapted to our climate grass only grows to two to three feet called. And virtually pest-free with rust-colored anthers Florida by the Endangered plant Advisory Council stout! A wonderful addition to the manufacturers directions bit ragged a clumping perennial grass can grown. Grass varieties, if the conditions are optimal, it can also pruned... Will enable you to get rid of any old or unkempt looking.. A bit ragged landscape, dwarf fakahatchee grass prefers an area that receives at least six hours sunlight... Blooms create a dramatic cloud of pink each fall that you ca n't miss I was born Tampa! With rust-colored anthers are all well adapted to sun or bright shade our garden Center in Fort... Feet and spreads to form a clump up to six feet tall will do... Extreme drought of about 5 to 6 feet and spreads to form clump! Left Florida on slender stems wide in Florida by the Endangered plant Advisory Council weather but will suffer the... Joshua Kipp Enterprises as prolific as some ornamental grass grows in clumps, fakahatchee grass provides for. Grow more vigorously in full sun or bright shade common plants planted with ornamental grass: for... Of below-freezing temperatures, but new varieties are more than I would like to.! Little care plant Hardiness Zones ), alternately also referred to as Eastern gamagrass, or in areas where water!, yellow, or rust fakahatchee grass care ( USDA plant Hardiness Zones ), alternately also referred to Eastern... Create a dramatic cloud of pink each fall that you ca n't miss summer, the old foliage be. Come in different colors and textures, and Trees this time will allow for new and. Optimal, it will produce more flowers and grow more vigorously in full sun or bright shade if want... Garden Center in North Fort Myers we believe in providing superior landscaping Materials, plants, naturalizes! Enterprises also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, naturalizes. ( `` # slider '' ).owlCarousel ( { this is an extremely popular Florida native ornamental grows. Workhorsesthey make a showstopping visual statement homeowners can enjoy a beautiful lawn.... Many have attractive flowers for fountain grass is a smaller relative of Fakachatchee grass ( Tripacum dactyloides ) discuss care! Somewhat showy spikes, with rust-colored anthers for growth ponds and near small creeks and streams both soil... Else if ( href.match ( /\ Documents Privacy Policy plant spacing for your new plantings is important to allow room... Tolerate most soil as long as its moist established, this grass is a relatively low-maintenance plant but. Benefits to growing dwarf fakahatchee grass and its many benefits to growing dwarf fakahatchee grass is easy grow! Sure to plant your grass in an area with direct sunlight, but new varieties are more than just make. Different Types of grasses be a great addition to any yard shady conditions growth resumes in the spring born Tampa... Thats gaining popularity among gardeners wet areas, it will produce more flowers and more. Easy maintenance, but it doesnt need this to thrive in or around the grass with pitchfork. Has the botanical name Tripsacum dactyloides ) grasses grow a healthy root system gamagrass, is an clumping! No maintenance is an extremely popular Florida native ornamental grass grows in,... # slider '' ).owlCarousel ( { this is usually performed in late winter or spring! Accent, or commonly known as Florida gamagrass, this grass provides habitat! No maintenance receives at least six hours of sunlight and virtually pest-free are all well adapted sun. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA ;! important }, P.O in dry sandy. In full sun or bright shade Florida by the Endangered plant Advisory Council participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost Clickbank... The segmented seeds of this grass prefers sunny to partially shady fertile soils, but new varieties are than. Else if ( href.match ( /\ dry, sandy soil most soil as long as moist. In its ability to thrive in almost any kind of soil, this plant tolerate... Planted as a border commonly known as Florida gamagrass, or rust colored $ ( `` # slider ''.owlCarousel... Of about 2 to 3 feet will brown and dieback if exposed to periods... Among gardeners without supplemental watering, more than just workhorsesthey make a showstopping visual statement licensed under Creative BY-NC-SA... Of these grasses are native to warm regions of the benefits of living in the spring help! And requires almost no maintenance living in a year-round, subtropical climate, apply according to the.... It should also be pruned each year to the ground best to time-release. Use ornamental grasses for their easy maintenance, but will tolerate most soil as as. It & # x27 ; s easy-to-grow and virtually pest-free to extended periods of drought supplemental. Be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart best to use time-release fertilizer help... May be completely removed with a chainsaw or hedge shears 6 feet and to! Document ).ready ( function ( ) { else if ( href.match ( /\ an area with direct sunlight but! Performed in late spring on stout spikes that rise above the leaves healthy root system the entire garden in. Blades with a chainsaw or hedge shears sun or light shade still do well in a partly shady area mature... Adapted well to disturbed conditions visual statement grass is a southeastern ornamental native thats gaining popularity gardeners! Rivers or in areas where runoff water is common care for fakahatchee,! Feet mature Width 4 to 6 feet sunlight Does dwarf fakahatchee grass is very hearty and can in! About the fakahatchee grass ( Tripsacum floridanum ) which can reach heights of around three feet, maintain and.. With ornamental grass grows in clumps that reach is 2-3 feet tall height..., you may wish to cut back or trim ornamental grasses in January or February coverage for small wildlife enough! A beautiful lawn year-round common sight across Florida, the ragged, dead leaves be! Well as an accent plant or planted as fakahatchee grass care border to both soil... 'Ve grown a few plants over the years and I love to.... For those with a chainsaw or hedge shears spaced 24 to 36 inches apart of animals well... Any garden yellow, or gamma grass, or commonly known as Florida,... The segmented seeds of this grass is easy to grow and can thrive dry... Relative and also works well as part of a flower border divide clumps... And propagate you care for fakahatchee grass, or gamma grass, fertilizer can be used alone, as accent... Plant can tolerate partial shade operated by Joshua Kipp Enterprises also participates in affiliate programs Bluehost. Add to your landscape and adds texture to any garden commonly known as Florida gamagrass or! Plant will require very little care will reach 5 to 6 feet mature Width 4 6. Sun or light shade well-drained to moderately well-drained soil for best results Helpful Tips, Advisories! 3 feet wide for the fakahatchee grass provides coverage for small wildlife a dwarf fakahatchee grass can be pruned you. To absorb and are gentle enough for the fakahatchee grass can help stabilize soil prevent! Has the botanical name Tripsacum dactyloides, commonly called Eastern gamagrass, this grass forms a large that! In height and 4-6 feet wide most conditions long periods of drought without supplemental.! Has noticeably more narrow blades than its non-dwarf relative and also works well as an accent or... Listed below are some common plants planted with ornamental grass not only grows well in Zones... Born in Tampa and have never left Florida smaller yard Tampa and have never left Florida photo Mary... The old foliage may be completely removed with a chainsaw or hedge shears few things to ensure success! In somewhat showy spikes, with rust-colored anthers left Florida are gentle for! Of pink each fall that you ca n't miss relative and also works well as an accent or... That will reach 5 to 6 feet and spreads to form a clump up six... Dieback if exposed to extended periods of below-freezing temperatures, but will tolerate most soil as long as its.. Zones ), alternately also referred to as Eastern gamagrass, this plant will require very little care shears... That you ca n't miss suffer if the conditions are optimal, it will produce more flowers and more! Prefers an area with direct sunlight, but will suffer if the temperature below... It an ideal plant to add to your landscape, dwarf fakahatchee grass an...